The United Kingdom has updated its financial requirements for Student and Child Student visa applicants, exempting nationals of only three African countries from submitting proof of funds at the point of application.
According to updated guidance published by the UK government on Monday, Botswana, Mauritius and Tunisia are the only African countries whose nationals are not required to provide financial evidence upfront unless requested during the visa assessment process.
Other countries on the exemption list include Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The UK government, however, stressed that applicants from exempt countries must still satisfy all financial eligibility requirements and may be asked to provide supporting documents before a decision is made on their applications.
“You must meet the financial requirements for this route when you apply; however, you may not need to submit evidence upfront as part of your application. In these circumstances, the decision maker may still request the evidence from you during the application process to prove you meet the financial requirements,” the guidance stated.
The update means applicants from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt will continue to submit financial documents as part of their student visa applications.
Under the revised rules, Student visa applicants must demonstrate they have enough money to cover their tuition fees, as stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), as well as living expenses.
Students studying outside London must show they have £1,171 for each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months, while those studying in London are required to show £1,529 per month for the same period.
Applicants travelling with dependants must also provide additional financial evidence. Those studying outside London must show £680 per month for each dependant, while applicants studying in London must demonstrate £845 per month for each dependant, for up to nine months.
For Child Student visa applicants, maintenance requirements vary depending on whether the student will live in a boarding school, with parents or legal guardians, in foster care or independently where permitted.
The UK government said acceptable sources of funds include government-backed student loans, official financial sponsorship, personal savings and money belonging to parents or eligible partners.
It added that applicants cannot rely on overdrafts, cryptocurrency holdings, stocks and shares, pensions or funds held in unregulated financial institutions.
The updated guidance also requires applicants relying on personal or family funds to show the required amount has been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with bank statements dated no more than 31 days before the visa application.
The UK maintained existing exemptions from submitting financial evidence for certain categories of applicants, including those extending their stay after spending at least 12 months in the country on a valid visa, Student Union Sabbatical Officers, doctors and dentists in training, and nationals of countries eligible for reduced documentary requirements.
The revised guidance forms part of the UK’s continued efforts to strengthen oversight of its international student visa system while retaining existing financial eligibility standards for prospective students.
